Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed has finally landed, and while comparisons to Skyrim were inevitable, they might be doing this ambitious RPG a disservice. Yes, both games let you dual-wield spells and weapons in first-person combat, but that’s where the surface-level similarities end.
What we have here is something far more nuanced—a game that understands why people spent thousands of hours in Tamriel but also recognizes that RPG players have evolved in the past decade. The result? A fresh take on the genre that manages to carve out its own distinct identity.
And while the internet seems determined to pit these two games against each other, perhaps it’s time we appreciated Avowed for what it actually brings to the table, rather than how closely it mirrors its inspiration.
How Avowed improves upon the classic formula
Let’s address the mammoth in the room—when you’re making a first-person fantasy RPG, Skyrim comparisons come with the territory. But Avowed isn’t just trying to recreate Bethesda’s magic; it has crafted something distinctly its own in the Living Lands.
@themindfulgamer Avowed is Skyrim for Adults who aren’t blinded by nostalgia. #avowed #avowedgame #videogames ♬ Coffee and Chords – ya-su
The Mindful Gamer’s take cuts straight to the heart of what makes Avowed special. It’s not about replacing Skyrim—it’s about evolving beyond it.
Avowed is Skyrim for people who realize that Skyrim is 14 years old. It’s a timeless classic, a nostalgic reminder of our youth, but at some point you have to grow up. And Avowed is Skyrim for gamers who’ve grown up.
The differences become clear the moment you step into combat. As our TikToker points out:
It doesn’t have some of Skyrim’s more charming qualities, like boring combat, dull environments, and questionable voice acting. And that’s a good thing.
The consensus is that Avowed‘s combat feels weightier, more dynamic. Whether you’re combining frost magic with musket shots or charging in with a sword and shield, each encounter feels deliberately designed rather than randomly generated.
The game’s structure shows similar thoughtfulness. Instead of trying to match Skyrim‘s massive but often empty world, Avowed offers interconnected zones packed with meaningful content. Every corner of the Living Lands feels handcrafted, with vertical exploration that makes even familiar paths feel fresh.
Even the way Avowed handles player choice shows evolution. While Skyrim lets you be everything to everyone, Avowed forces you to live with the consequences of your decisions. Your choices in the Living Lands carry weight, shaping not just the story but how other characters perceive and interact with you.
Time hasn’t diminished Skyrim’s charm, yes, but perhaps it’s worth acknowledging that gaming has evolved in the past 14 years. And that’s perfectly okay.
Why you shouldn’t wait to visit the Living Lands
Sure, Steam reviews are lighting up with complaints about the $70 price tag. “Wait for sale,” they say. But why wait when Xbox Game Pass offers the perfect opportunity to jump in right now? For less than the cost of a fancy pizza, you can experience everything Avowed has to offer alongside hundreds of other games.
And let’s be honest—Obsidian has earned our trust. These are the minds behind Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, studios that consistently deliver unique RPG experiences that don’t just follow trends but set them.
The Living Lands are calling, and they don’t care whether you bought the game at full price or downloaded it through Game Pass. What matters is the adventure waiting for you—one that’s already captivating many RPG fans with its fresh take on the beloved genre.
Maybe it’s time we stopped worrying about price tags and review scores, and actually started playing the game in question to form our own opinions. After all, some experiences are worth more than their dollar value, and Avowed seems to be one of them.
Have you started exploring the Living Lands yet? Share your thoughts on Avowed’s fresh take on fantasy RPGs in the comments below!
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